Investigation reveals abuse allegations at Indonesian studio Brandoville, known for Assassin's Creed Shadows

An investigation by People Make Games has revealed serious allegations of abuse at Brandoville Studios, an Indonesian support studio that worked on games like Assassin's Creed Shadows. Former employees reported years of physical and psychological abuse, financial control, and harassment. The studio, which closed in August 2024, was led by Cherry Lai and Ken Lai. Allegations include coercion into self-harm and extreme working conditions, exacerbated by the pandemic, where employees lived at the studio. One employee reported being pressured to work while pregnant, leading to tragic outcomes. Ubisoft, the developer of Assassin's Creed: Shadows, expressed being "deeply troubled" by the allegations and condemned all forms of abuse. Cherry Lai declined to discuss the accusations further after being approached for comment.